1.Provide options for perception I have customized the display of information (1.1) by using effective color contrast and colorful graphics. Additionally, the slides can be magnified, the amplitude of speech/sound can be changed, and the video/slides can be paused. I also used color to put emphasis on the words AREA and PERIMETER. I have provided alternative options for auditory information (1.2) by providing both text and voiced information. I have provided alternative options for visual information (1.3) by providing graphics and pictures to illustrate area and perimeter. I have also recorded a video of myself speaking to the VoiceThread user and have used the drawing tool to illustrate concepts. I included an "Important Message" announcement within the VoiceThread to emphasize the importance of using "square units" when measuring area.
2.Provide options for language and symbols Options that define vocabulary (2.1) will be provided by teaching about area & perimeter in the classroom before students view the VoiceThread. We will discuss how area a perimeter are used in everyday life. I have embedded support for vocabulary and symbols by providing a link to my Wiki on area & perimeter that contains an interactive math dictionary. I have provided options for decoding text & mathematical notation (2.3) by creating a voiced video that corresponds with all text written in the VoiceThread slides. I have provided options that promote cross-linguistic understanding (2.4) by providing a link in my Wiki for an electronic translation tool (Google Translate). I have also provided options that illustrate key concepts non-linguistically (2.5) by presenting key concepts in equations, pictures, and through the use of the VoiceThread drawing tool.
3.Provide options for comprehension I have provided options that highlight critical features, big ideas, and relationships (3.2) through the use of colored text, graphics, pictures, multiple examples, cues/prompts, and the use of the VoiceThread drawing tool. I have given options that guide information processing (3.3) by giving prompts and examples of the steps to find area & perimeter, chunking the information into smaller elements, guided exploration as to how to find area & perimeter, and by providing multiple entry points to the lesson and optional pathways through the content (students can click on any desired slide throughout the VoiceThread). Students are provided options that support memory and transfer (3.4) by having explicit opportunities to practice the skill of finding area & perimeter on specific slides within the VoiceThread.
4.Provide options for physical actions I have given options in the mode of physical response (4.1) by allowing students to write or type their comments. I realize now, that I should have included the option for students to record their comments. They can record their comments on VoiceThread, but I do not state that within the VoiceThread. Additionally, I should have stated that students can pause the Voice Thread while they think about their answers and what the slide is asking them. I also have a short break embedded into the Voice Thread where the students get up and stretch.
5.Provide options for expressive skills and fluency I have provided options in the media for communication (5.1) through text, speech, drawing, and video. Students can practice the skills learned during classroom activities or by visiting my Wiki on area & perimeter. I have provided options in the tools for problem-solving (5.2) through the use of a BIG online calculator that is posted on my Wiki for area & perimeter. Students can use this calculator to help with the mathematical calculations. I have provided options in the scaffolds for practice and performance (5.3) by providing differentiated feedback. Students can comment and mark their answers on the VoiceThread, which will help me to give each student the feedback that is pertinent to them.
6.Provide options for executive functions I have provided options that support planning and strategy development (6.2) by encouraging students to think about how we find area and perimeter, before just giving them the answer.
7.Provide options for recruiting interest I have provided options that increase individual choice and autonomy (7.1) by providing students and chance to choose how they practice the skills (ie. VoiceThread, Wiki, games, musical rap song). I have provided options that enhance relevance, value, and authenticity (7.2) by showing students multiple examples of how area & perimeter are used in "the real world". The VoiceThread is age appropriate and appropriate for different racial, cultural, ethnic, and gender groups.
8.Provide options for sustaining effort and persistence I have provided options that vary levels of challenge and support (8.2) by providing differentiation in degree of difficulty in the activities on my Wiki on area & perimeter. I have provided options that foster collaboration and communication (8.3) by providing my students the opportunity to comment on the VoiceThread and read other students comments also. They can also comment and read other's comments on my Wiki. Through the VoiceThread as well as in the classroom I will provide feedback that is frequent, ongoing, and presented in multiple modalities in order to provide options that increase mastery-oriented feedback (8.4).
9.Provide options for self-regulation I have provided options that develop self-assessment and reflection (9.3) by allowing students to assess themselves throughout the VoiceThread. Activities and games on the corresponding Wiki also allow students to self-assess their learning.
FINDING AREA & PERIMETER Voicethread:
Explain how your Voicethread addresses the UDL Guidelines.
Links will take you to the UDL Guidelines website.